[Studies on the ecological behavior of Cryptococcus neoformans]

Tenacity studies of Cryptococcus neoformans in bird droppings originated from different ornamental birds and chickens showed that there is less chance for this fungus species to survive in non-sterile or bacteria-free droppings of large parakeets and chickens in comparison with droppings of small parakeets. Survival rates of Cr. neoformans in buffer solutions with pH-values ranging from 8.5-9.5 allow to conclude that this species is not alkali-sensitive. Therefore, the increase of pH is not regarded responsible for the survival of Cr. neoformans in bird droppings. Possibly fungistatic substances present in droppings are involved.